An ambitious adventure high in the Himalayas…

In possibly our most ambitious challenge to date, an intrepid team of 40tuders has made it to the Mardi Himal Base Camp in Nepal’s spectacular Annapurna Mountain Range. At 4,500 metres, this is the highest point ever to be reached on a 40tude adventure.  

Making a difference 

Why did they take this on?  To help cure colon (bowel) cancer, and in particular to shine a spotlight on Lynch Syndrome, a genetic disease which causes around 1 in 30 of cases of colon cancer, many of them under the age of 50.

Our challenge team has been led by Tom Campbell, who discovered that he carries the Lynch Syndrome gene.  He is passionate about the positive effect that knowledge that he is a carrier has had on his life and is dedicated to finding the missing 95% of other carriers in the UK. Watch this short film to find out more

St. Mark’s Hospital has the UK’s first specialist Lynch Syndrome Clinic and 40tude is the major funder of the National Lynch Programme, through which Professor Kevin Monahan is leading the development of three interconnected studies which have the potential to develop a new model for LS cancer prevention.  You can find out more about this important programme here 

Your support matters

If you’d like to congratulate our team on completing this ambitious challenge it will mean a great deal. Simply click the red Donate button above.

We’re grateful to Wype, CGE Partners and OPTO International for sponsoring this epic 40tude challenge. The funds raised will be directed very carefully to our mission to transform the early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.  

Trek updates:

If you'd like to follow our team's progress in real-time, you can find them via our tracker map here

Day 1 - Monday 24th April: Phedi to Duerali

Our team began their trek in the rain, but did not let this dampen their spirits!

Day 2 - Tuesday 25th April: Duerali to Low Camp via Forest Camp

A beautiful sunrise and stunning views today of their destination.. the mighty Mardi Himal which is located on the flank of Mt. Machhapuchhre in the Annapurna Mountain Range.  And as ever on a 40tude challenge there's plenty of fun along the way..!

Day 3 - Wednesday 26th April: Low Camp to High Camp

Today is the first day that the team will ascend above 3,000m and the route will get gradually steeper, so they may start to feel
the effects of altitude. To combat this, they will trek slowly and steadily along ridges towards Mardi Himal to ensure that they acclimatise effectively.  All the while enjoying more beautiful rhododendron flowers along the trail and amazing mountain views.

Day 4 - Thursday 27th April: Base Camp attempt

They did it!  We're delighted that our brilliant team successfully reached the Mardi Himal Base Camp early today. 

The going was tough, with the high altitude and plenty of snow lying on their route from Upper View Point onwards to Base Camp.  Showing true fortitude they nevertheless achieved their goal in the name of 40tude, and we are hugely proud of each and every one of our team. 

Day 5 - Friday 28th April: descent to the foothills